'Govt should set standards for cola drinks'

Industry chamber Assocham on Sunday urged the Centre to frame comprehensive standards for ensuring the quality of cola drinks and other food items while stating that banning these drinks was not a solution.

In a representation to Health Minister A Ramdoss, the chamber said a solution to the ongoing controversy should be sought amicably by the way of holding discussions between the parties concerned, Assocham said in a statement.

"We are all for unified enforceable standards which should be brought about without further delay," Assocham President Anil Agarwal said.

He also pointed out that the issue of ground water contamination has entered the food chain and is affecting public health.

"Government should come out with a policy initiative for preventing contamination of the ground water with the help of agricultural scientists and environment labs," Agarwal said.